Television presenter Gregg Wallace MBE will stand with autistic children and young people as the new ambassador of Ambitious about Autism – the national charity for autistic children and young people.
Left to right: Ambitious about Autism Chief Executive Jolanta Lasota, Anna Wallace, Gregg Wallace and Joanna Dziopa, Head of TreeHouse School
Supporting the charity’s mission
The MasterChef star and entrepreneur will support the charity’s mission to champion rights, campaign for change and create opportunities for autistic children and young people across the UK.
Gregg has a deep connection with autism as he and his wife Anna are parents to four-year-old Sid, who is autistic and non-verbal. Recently, Gregg and Anna paid a visit to Ambitious about Autism’s headquarters in Muswell Hill, North London to spend a day with pupils and staff at TreeHouse School, the charity’s first school for autistic children and young people set up in 1997.
Gregg Wallace biscuit decorating with a TreeHouse School pupil
Sweet-toothed Gregg helps decorate biscuits
Famous for his sweet tooth, Gregg helped some primary-aged pupils decorate biscuits they had baked for his visit. Gregg and Anna were also given a tour of the Saplings project, the school’s award-winning horticultural project, which gives autistic pupils an opportunity to learn more about the natural world, grow and sell organic produce and develop new skills.
After helping pupils pot blackberry plants, a TreeHouse School pupil presented former greengrocer Gregg with a beautiful hamper of produce homegrown at Saplings.
Gregg Wallace greeting a TreeHouse School pupil at the Saplings project
Gregg says appointment ‘is very close to my heart’
Commenting on his appointment as ambassador, Gregg Wallace MBE, said: “I am thrilled to be Ambitious about Autism’s new ambassador. As a parent to my wonderful autistic son, Sid, this charity is very close to my heart.
“I was lucky enough to see firsthand the charity’s amazing work at its pioneering TreeHouse School – and it was a joy to spend time with pupils and their dedicated staff.
“Autistic children and young people and their families face many challenges and that’s why Ambitious about Autism’s work is so vital. I’m really looking forward to working with the charity to break down barriers, increase autism acceptance and ensure young people can reach their potential in education, employment and beyond.”
Gregg Wallace with a TreeHouse School pupil and his hamper
Deep personal connection
Jolanta Lasota, Chief Executive of Ambitious about Autism, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Gregg is our new ambassador and we’re so grateful for his support.
“As a parent, Gregg has a deep personal connection with autism which makes him a fantastic advocate for autistic children and young people.
“Together we will increase public understanding and acceptance of autism to ensure autistic children and young people can be themselves and realise their ambitions.”
In October 2022, Gregg Wallace hosted TalkTalk’s annual fundraising gala, Night of Ambition, which raised over £400,000 for the charity.
For more information visit www.ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk
